Tampa (Fla.) Plant quarterback Robert Marve knows that his football success is a result of hard work. A strong senior season has allowed the Alabama commit and four-star prospect to climb in the recruiting rankings. He also has his team positioned to make a big run in the state playoffs.

All this from a quarterback who - right or wrong - was not on the radar of many at the start of the recruiting cycle for the class of 2007.

Five facts about Robert Marve

• His sports hero is boxer Muhammad Ali
• His favorite movie is "Wedding Crashers"
• Father Eugene Marve played in the NFL for 12 years with the Bills, Chargers and Bucs
• Plans to major in business in college.
• Broke Hillsborough County season touchdown pass record with 34

"It took a lot of hard work," Marve said. "I wasn't one of those guys who could just come out and be one of those types of players who could come out shine right away. I just feel real comfortable in our offense right now."

Marve's hard work and newfound comfort level will be on display long after his state playoff run. The 6-foot-2, 180-pounder is one of three quarterbacks to be named to the East squad for the inaugural Offense-Defense All-American Bowl.

The game will be played at 5 p.m. Eastern on Thursday, Jan. 4 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The all-star contest will be televised live by ESPNU. Rivals.com is the official selection partner of the game.

"I thought it was a great honor to play in a game like this, and I'm just looking forward to meeting all the guys and all of these great players across the nation," Marve said.

Marve set the Hillsborough County, Fla., record for passing touchdowns in a season with 34. "There have been a lot of great players from this area," Marve said. "So it was a real big accomplishment."